Volunteer Researcher - Montessori Observation & Child Development Assessment with C.H.I.L.D. Protocol, LLC

This is an opportunity to work with an Ashoka Fellow Ashoka Fellows are leading social entrepreneurs that have been taken through a rigorous selection process, testing the quality of their ideas and character, to become part of the Ashoka Fellowship and Network. Ashoka Fellows take on the challenges of building innovative system change ideas to make and spread social impact in a world wrought with challenges. They refuse to let the ‘impossible’ stand in their way to creating a better world. This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity About The Affiliated Organization C.H.I.L.D. Protocol™ is where the science of neuropsychology meets the art of child development assessment. The organization was created to help parents, educators, and pediatric professionals better understand the unique needs, development, and potential of every child. Its web-based platform provides expert developmental assessment tools, information services, and personalized online guidance to support children from birth to age 7. The C.H.I.L.D. Protocol Scales are a collection of 23 interdisciplinary developmental scales covering key areas of child development, including neurophysiological, sensoperceptual, psychomotor, communication, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. The tool is not intended to be used as a diagnostic instrument, but rather as a developmental assessment and guidance resource to help identify potential risk factors and support each child’s unique developmental journey. For more information, please visit https://childprotocol.com/

Job Description

This project focuses on designing and piloting a systematic observation procedure for Montessori environments. The work will explore how observation data can be collected, documented, and interpreted in ways that preserve Montessori principles while increasing consistency, transparency, and usefulness for research, educator reflection, and decision-making. The goal is to develop a practical and reliable data collection protocol that supports high-quality observation of children’s engagement, interactions, learning processes, and developmental indicators within Montessori settings. The procedure aims to improve consistency across observers and strengthen the quality and usefulness of observation data, while ensuring that the approach remains meaningful and aligned with Montessori practice. The volunteer may support with:

• Reviewing Montessori observation literature and existing observation frameworks
• Identifying relevant approaches from child development, educational research, and observational methodology
• Supporting the design of observation forms, rubrics, and documentation tools
• Assisting with the development of data collection procedures and observer guidelines
• Helping think through how observation data can be collected and interpreted in a way that is practical, consistent, and respectful of Montessori principles

Observation is one of the foundational practices of Montessori education. The success of this project depends on developing observation methods that are both meaningful and practical. Your contribution will help create tools and procedures that improve the quality of observational data, enhance consistency among observers, and support stronger reflection, research, and decision-making in Montessori environments. Please let us know today if you can help! Volunteer Logistics Estimated hours required per week: 5 The estimated duration of the project is: 1-3 months This position is Virtual (Remote) Language Requirements English Desired Skills And Experience This opportunity would be a strong fit for someone with experience or interest in:

• Montessori education
• Child development or developmental psychology
• Educational research
• Qualitative or observational research methods
• Early childhood education
• Neuropsychology, occupational therapy, speech and language development, or related fields
• Designing research tools, rubrics, protocols, or data collection frameworks
• Graduate students, researchers, educators, therapists, and professionals interested in developmental observation are encouraged to participate.